Hints of impending spring weather might stir a desire to grow plants even in people not usually drawn in that direction. If you are one of them, yet your thumbs lack the slightest hint of green, take heart: There are houseplants even you can grow.

The Earth is awash in garbage, and designers of home decor are looking at ways to reuse the waste. Among the many clever ideas emerging are tiles made out of blue jeans, and furniture made out of bottles.

A new book from Images Publishing Group looks into the creative genius of Zaha Hadid, whose work captured the collective imagination, and influenced designers to challenge the perceived limits of aesthetics and engineering.